18 Common Mistakes That Americans Often Make When Traveling Internationally

Traveling to a new country is always exciting, but it’s easy to make simple mistakes that can cause stress during your trip. Overpacking, forgetting to tip, or not learning about local customs are just a few things that can make things harder than they need to be. To help you have a smooth and enjoyable journey, here are some common mistakes Americans often make when traveling abroad and tips on how to avoid them.

Expecting English Everywhere

Naturally, most American tourists feel at home when conversing with locals in English. But just because English is a widely spoken language doesn’t mean you should automatically expect it from everyone and anyone; assuming everyone speaks English without attempting the local language is rude, discriminatory, and offensive.

Overpacking

It takes a bit of experience as a traveler to know how much is too much. Bringing too much luggage can be exhausting and expensive. Many people pack at least 2 weeks’ worth of clothes when they’re only traveling for three days; maybe they expect to go out a lot, but you should only have one outfit daily.

Ignoring Travel Insurance

Many of us think travel insurance is just a clever way for travel agencies to suck money. But not purchasing travel insurance can land you in hot waters. Travel insurance doesn’t only cover sudden incidents or emergencies; good travel insurance also covers reimbursements for hotel mismanagement and similar issues.

Relying Only On Credit Cards

While we’re used to Venmo’ing everything and using our credit cards, expecting the same from a foreign destination is absurd. Many countries still mainly use cash, so carrying a credit card might be useless. It can also be dangerous; your bank can block your credit card for unusual activity, stranding you in a foreign place with no money.

Not Checking Visa Requirements

Failing to check if a visa is necessary or waiting until the last minute to apply is the dumbest thing you could do. Many destinations welcome U.S. tourists openly, but there are a few restrictions, so you must be careful. Another common mistake is not checking visa/passport expiry; you could be turned back from the airport if you mess up.

Sticking To Tourist Traps

Many countries, such as Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, have tourist traps. These destinations attract intense crowds, leading to painful tourist footfall. Additionally, many tourist traps are designed to portray the destination in a certain way and can be underwhelming; you’re much better off exploring peaceful villages and smaller spots.

Using Data Roaming

Don’t forget to turn off data roaming, or you’ll face high charges. Many network companies don’t advertise international packages, so tourists assume the rates will be the same abroad. Instead of losing your money to a cellular network, get a local SIM card or use Wi-Fi.

Ignoring Safety Advisories

You’d be surprised how many tourists ignore travel alerts and safety advisories. You’d think tourists would pay serious attention to such alerts, but most are hurrying to travel and don’t even care when boarding. Ignoring travel advisories or safety tips for specific areas can land you in dangerous situations.

Planning Too Much

It’s natural to want to try everything a destination has to offer. But you’ve got to remember you’re still a human being who needs your rest. Many travelers cram multiple activities into a small itinerary, so they spend most of their days running from one destination to another without catching a break.

Not Booking Tickets in Advance for Major Attractions

A lot of popular landmarks and museums need you to book ahead, especially during peak season. If you show up without a ticket, you could be stuck waiting in long lines or, worse, miss out altogether. Booking your tickets online before you go not only saves you time but also guarantees you won’t miss any must-see spots on your list.

Poor Tip Etiquette

Most Americans are used to tipping strongly, so it’s natural to want to extend this gesture to your international servers. But every destination has different tipping cultures. Some, like the Middle East or Asia, encourage tipping but in small amounts, while destinations like Japan consider it awkward.

Not Researching Local Customs

Not taking the time to learn about the local customs can sometimes land you in awkward positions. Just a bit of research can help you avoid such scenarios and show respect for the local culture. This means understanding things like gestures, dress codes, and what’s considered polite or impolite. Showing that you care about their customs can make your experience more enjoyable.

Taking Unofficial Taxis

While movies may make us think hailing a cab is as easy as whistling and sitting down, doing the same in a foreign destination can be dangerous. Many foreign destinations have unmarked taxis because they can overcharge and dupe the customers. Sitting in unofficial taxis that might not be metered is highly unsafe.

Being Loud

Respect the local culture’s norms, especially in public places. In many places, people appreciate quiet and polite behavior, so try not to be the loud tourist. Remember, you’re a guest in their country, and showing a little consideration can leave a great impression.

Not Trying Local Food

Sticking to familiar fast foods can make you miss out on amazing culinary experiences. Be adventurous and try the local dishes; it’s a fantastic way to learn about a new culture. You might find new favorite foods and create some unforgettable memories along the way.

Not Learning Basic Phrases

Not learning a few basic phrases in the local language can make things awkward and challenging. Just knowing how to say “hello,” “thank you,” and “please” can go a long way in showing respect and making connections. Locals really appreciate the effort, and it can make your trip so much smoother. It’s a little thing that makes a big difference!

Assuming All Food is Safe

Food in the United States conforms to strict hygiene standards, but this might not be the case when traveling internationally. Foods there may include ingredients or cooked in a way that may make you ill, ruining your entire vacation. So when traveling, avoid tap water and only dine where you see food being made fresh and warm with care for hygiene.

Underestimating the Time Difference

Planning without considering the time difference can impact your vacation. You may even miss a flight or an activity. It’s always a good idea to double-check the local time of your destination and adjust your plans accordingly so you don’t miss out on anything important.